My therapist keeps up on continuous education even though he's nearly 70. He's always reading books in order to better himself and is the editor of at least one peer-reviewed journal.

My last therapist, the same age, did similar things. He went to seminars and conferences in both psychiatry and psychotherapy and subscribed to and read journal articles. I wonder if most therapists do continuing education?

I do self-generated continuous education for my profession as well. It's tough to keep up with, but I think it's necessary in many different fields of work. I can see how especially important this is in the healthcare field.

This might be a course for non-dynamic therapists to take to help them identify, understand, and deal with counter/transference issues that arise. It's $99.

Double-Edged Swords: Understanding Transference and Countertransference in Non-analytic Therapy by Judith A. Schaeffer, Ph.D.

Most here in the United States are required to take continuing education courses to keep their professional licenses current. But, just like any progression, and people in general, many are not willing to put themselves to the internal challenge. I am so gratful for the ones that do. And, again I state my hope that the soon to be psychotherapist that read and post here are willing to hear the voices of their clients in these threads.

[stopdog]

If therapists are like most other professionals I know who have to have so many hours of continuing education - they don't pay a lot of attention to the courses. They pay and they sit there, but often are doing other work rather than paying attention.

Well that explains why there are normally 'credits' associated with continuing education associated with psychotherapy. Are there exams to keep licensing as well? My current therapist is board certified, and if I recall correctly, I think he has to take exams from time to time to maintain the board certification.

In the past, I've had to take exams for certifications for 2 different lines of work, but they never tracked the continuing education. The educational requirement seems like a positive thing.

they don't pay a lot of attention to the courses

Alternatively, maybe they are taking the 'wrong' courses, or the cheapest courses, or the easiest courses.

[junkDNA]

my T loves research so hes always reading about new things involving treatment. i like that about him. he shares the relevant things with me. i like that he wants to keep researching.

[stopdog]

I think it is often just seen as something one sits through to remain licensed. I don't know of tests a therapist has to take to continue a license. For example - Attorneys in my jurisdiction have to get so many hours per year - and at the end of the year, there are people who are furiously trying to get their credits so they sign up for anything because all you need to do is sit through X number of hours. Sometimes the topic is interesting or you go to learn something, but a lot of it is not that earthshaking.
The therapists I know of here do the same sort of thing. It is seen as a technical requirement and one goes through the motions.

[Ad Intra]

A therapist has to do continuing education. When they have their license they have to have so many continuing education. credits per a year. I'm not sure if what your therapist does is just for the credits, but most ts go to workshops, conferences and seminars.
But however, I want to be your T, he sounds so cool.

I had misunderstood, but I see what you mean now that you framed it that way...I've seen coworkers 'go through the motions' with training merely to fulfill a requirement, but in the manner in which its done ends up negating the purpose of the education itself.

Originally Posted by stopdog

I think it is often just seen as something one sits through to remain licensed. I don't know of tests a therapist has to take to continue a license. For example - Attorneys in my jurisdiction have to get so many hours per year - and at the end of the year, there are people who are furiously trying to get their credits so they sign up for anything because all you need to do is sit through X number of hours. Sometimes the topic is interesting or you go to learn something, but a lot of it is not that earthshaking.
The therapists I know of here do the same sort of thing. It is seen as a technical requirement and one goes through the motions.

my therapist teaches a course on cbt but i don't think she's in education.

But however, I want to be your T, he sounds so cool.

Yes, that he is.